One problem related to engine belts and pulleys has been reported for the 2008 Mini Cooper Clubman. The most recently reported issues are listed below.
The timing chain assembly is failing after having the car for less than 5,000 miles after buying it used from a Mini dealership who had performed their usual inspections and resale maintenance. Apparently the timing chain is inside the engine casing and the metal chain runs along a plastic guide. The top portion of the plastic guide has, it appears, failed, causing a very loud engine noise and risking complete timing failure which, of course, could potentially present serious mechanical and safety issues if it happens at high speed. I have found wide reports of this happening similarly in other cars, however after a quick search, I don't see this issue listed on this NHTSA site, so I thought it should be added. . Read more...